How the Lack of Sleep Affects the Academic Performance of College Students

Abstract

This poster explores the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among college students, addressing the widespread belief that insufficient sleep negatively impacts GPA. Using data from the 2021 Pioneer Student Health and Well-being Survey, we conducted a cross-sectional observational analysis of 211 students aged 18–40. Sleep quality was measured using the Groningen Sleep Quality Scale, and academic performance was assessed by self-reported GPA. Results revealed a very weak negative correlation (r = –0.064) between sleep quality and GPA, with a p-value of 0.355, indicating no statistically significant relationship. These findings challenge previous literature suggesting a direct link between poor sleep and diminished academic performance. While sleep remains essential for overall health and cognitive function, our results suggest that factors such as study habits, course load, and coping strategies may play more critical roles in academic success. Future research should consider longitudinal methods and objective sleep tracking to explore these dynamics further